What After President Nawrocki's Veto? Poles Suggested to Tusk. New Poll
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki announced a veto on the SAFE program, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk affirmed government continuity amid uncertainty surrounding the initiative.
In a national address on March 12, President Karol Nawrocki declared his intention to veto the SAFE program, a significant government initiative aimed at military funding and support. This announcement sparked immediate reactions, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasizing that the government's stance on the program remains unchanged despite the veto. The government continues to proceed with its plans, authorizing the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Finance and Economy to take actions concerning the implementation of the EU's SAFE framework.
In the face of President Nawrocki's veto, the government is moving forward by allowing the Ministers to finalize contracts and documents related to the program. Specifically, the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) will secure a loan designated for military procurement under the program, with financial commitments backed by state guarantees. This resilience reflects the government's determination to stay on course despite uncertainties surrounding the SAFE initiative's future.
Furthermore, President Nawrocki has not completely abandoned his proposal for an alternative funding model, known as Polski SAFE 0 percent, which is envisioned to be financed through the profits of the National Bank of Poland. A legislative proposal related to this alternative scheme has been introduced in the Sejm, indicating ongoing debates about the best approach to support the military amidst political disagreements. This situation represents a critical juncture for Polish defense policy and government cohesion as it grapples with executive decisions and public opinion.